A champion of early literacy

Tutorfair Foundation celebrates Elisabeth’s nomination for the Outstanding Volunteer Award 2025-26 for supporting more than one child in the Chapter One programme.  

The recently released Education Policy Institute Annual Report 2026 shares that the disadvantage gap in the early years widened by 17%  between 2019 and 2025. Every disadvantaged child who learns to read at an early age is a step towards closing this gap.

In this context, Elisabeth’s contribution in volunteering to teach young children how to read, as part of Tutorfair Foundation’s partnership with Chapter One, is an invaluable contribution.

A volunteer tutor with Tutorfair Foundation since 2021, Elisabeth brings 38 years of experience in education to every session. She remembers every child whom she has supported over the last five years, saying, “They all start out not knowing what to expect, but slowly they gain confidence and make progress.”

This year, she supported two young girls, one bubbly and talkative, the other quiet and shy. Elisabeth uses simple, encouraging strategies like, “You read one page, I’ll read one,” to motivate them. 

Tutorfair Foundation follows strict safeguarding protocols on its digital interface so Elisabeth can only see the book they are reading together. Yet, with decades of teaching experience, she picks up subtle cues in the children’s voices and adapts her approach accordingly. “Sometimes, they’re distracted; other times, they are finding a word difficult. I decide whether they need a prompt or a gentle reminder to come back to the story.”

Thank you, Elisabeth for your commitment to helping young students move forward on their learning journeys.